Decarbonisation through digitalisation has lift off

The Decarbonisation through Digitalisation in Shipping, or DECARDIS, initiative represents the world’s first attempt to optimise entire voyages, including port calls, marking a departure from existing solutions that only address isolated journey segments. At its core, the project aims to eliminate the industry’s prevalent ’hurry-and-wait’ pattern, by integrating Awake.AI’s port call optimisation with ABB and Wallenius Marine’s OVERSEA voyage optimisation platform.

Since its founding in 2018, Awake.AI has tackled the fundamental challenge of data integration, developing solutions that connect vessel traffic systems, port community systems and terminal operating systems. This experience proved crucial for DECARDIS, which addresses the critical issue of limited transparency and data sharing between ship and port systems. The project’s web-based interface will allow ships to dynamically adjust their speed and route based on real-time data, ensuring just-in-time arrival at berths. This data is transferred in real time and undergoes an automated evaluation process. The insights gained are then used to provide optimisation recommendations.

DECARDIS draws on Awake.AI’s successful implementation at major ports. At Algeciras Port, its system supports a 20-30% reduction in costs and emissions through improved arrival time predictions. The company’s work at Peel Ports Group demonstrated the feasibility of modernising legacy planning systems while maintaining operational continuity.

Wallenius Marine’s OVERSEA platform will provide crews and shore personnel with shared data understanding and actionable recommendations. This integration addresses what Awake.AI’s chief executive Karno Tenovuo describes as a “prisoner’s dilemma” in data sharing, where operators must choose between protecting proprietary information and contributing to collective benefits. OVERSEA users will draw on both an advanced digital solution and support from centre experts to reach decisions on optimising vessel operational performance, cutting bunker costs and reducing emissions.

Security considerations have been paramount, with the system incorporating lessons from the team’s Rolls-Royce experience on the Security by Design approach and implementing comprehensive security architectures. This foundation has proved crucial for building trust with pilot customers, including CMA-CGM, Wallenius SOL, ESL Shipping, Peel Ports and Fintraffic.

The European Space Agency’s backing of DECARDIS underscores the project’s potential impact on maritime sustainability, IMO’s 2050 net-zero emissions target and the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan’s 55% reduction goal.

Mr Tenovuo outlined how Awake.AI’s automated machine learning operations workflows enable AI solutions scalability, orchestration and quality, reducing implementation time from months to hours or days. This capability, combined with the company’s ability to predict multiple port calls and provide automated just-in-time solutions, positions DECARDIS to deliver immediate environmental benefits, he says.

Beyond the immediate project goals, Mr Tenovuo is keen to position Awake.AI as a trusted AI partner for all maritime actors. "We favour a ‘blue ocean’ strategy, focused on creating new market space where competition is minimal versus the ‘red ocean’ strategy, which is characterised by intense competition and a focus on capturing existing market share. There is growing industry recognition that addressing environmental challenges requires unprecedented co-operation among technology providers and maritime stakeholders."